Home   News   Article

Expert talks about combating waste


By David Porter

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!

The impact of ocean plastic has been seen on our wildlife and may have further, as yet unknown, consequences on both human and ocean health.

Recently, however, interest has surged in doing more to protect the marine environment and address a global crisis in single-use plastics and ocean pollution.

Riding this wave of interest, Catherine Gemmell of the Marine Conservation Society has been working tirelessly to encourage an increasing number of people and policies in Scotland to stop the incoming plastic tide.

Now, in a talk to the Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS) in Aberdeen, Catherine will give an insight into what exactly is taking place across our country to give our seas and coastlines the protection they deserve.

And with her talk taking place on Monday, January 6, it will be the perfect kick-start to Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters.

As part of this talk, Catherine will explain how volunteers on the ground – and up in the air – are locating and disposing of litter and pollutants around Scotland’s shores.

She’ll also cover the actions that are required within industry and at government level to ensure the sustainability of our oceans today and tomorrow.

Commenting on the upcoming talk, Catherine said: “I am absolutely honoured to have been invited by RSGS to speak as part of their Inspiring People talks programme on my lifelong passion for Scotland's incredible marine environment.

“From rock-pooling along the Moray coast as a young girl, to Scuba Diving across Scotland during my time at Aberdeen University, to ocean litter campaigning with the Marine Conservation Society, I can't wait to share some of my stories and hopefully inspire others to take action to protect Scotland's incredible seas.”

Chief executive of RSGS Mike Robinson said: “Catherine’s passion for Scotland’s coastline is infectious.

"I hope her enthusiasm will rub off on our audiences and inspire them to think more closely about their impact on the natural world.”

Catherine will be speaking in Aberdeen on Monday, January 6 at New King’s, University of Aberdeen and the talk begins at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available via Eventbrite or on the door.

Tickets are £10 for visitors and free for RSGS Members, Students and U18s.


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More